Watching a movie on a big screen is much more enjoyable than on a small laptop display. However, installing Windows on a TV for more convenient work won't work. So what options are available? For example, you can connect your device using a cable and start streaming the picture. Or use one of the wireless technologies that many well-known companies offer. In this guide, we will describe all the available ways to connect a laptop to a TV.
Despite the fact that the history of video cables dates back to the second quarter of the 20th century, the process of delivering images began to develop most actively from the 1990s and is still being improved. Some types also have an adaptive mini version, intended, among other things, for laptops. Obviously, you will need to insert one end of the cable into the TV and the other into the device.
Currently, the most popular methods of wired connection are HDMI, Displayport, and Thunderbolt cables, but we will consider all options in turn.
An outdated method that has been preserved on old devices, so sometimes it cannot be avoided. If you need to connect different types of ports, you need to purchase the appropriate adapter in the store, for example, from VGA to HDMI. Although this type is more compatible with DVI, so their joint adapters are more effective. However, in some cases, you will need a full-fledged converter.
VGA transmits images in resolutions up to 1280x1024 and refresh rates up to 75 Hz and is one of the most reliable signal conductors. Does not support audio channels, separate transmitters are needed for this.
The DVI connector cable appeared at the junction of two centuries and slowly began to displace VGA from the market. Unlike its predecessor, it supports resolutions up to 1920x1080 with refresh rates up to 60 Hz, which sometimes even meets modern demands, but does not always support audio channel transmission. The improved picture quality is explained by the support of digital signal transmission. It can also be used with adapters if your devices have different ports.
One of the most popular options today. Unlike DVI, this port is capable of transmitting multi-channel audio signals, but other technologies are roughly similar. Updated versions support any resolutions, up to 8K with a bandwidth of 30 Hz. Suitable in most cases, and its demand is earned by reliability and versatility.
More commonly used for phone or tablet connections, but recently the USB-C type has been used in both laptops and TV monitors, as it is quite mobile and the connector itself does not take up much space. Supports the use of adapters with other different variations. It may lag behind HDMI in transfer speed, but does not differ much in other indicators.
Was developed around the same time as HDMI to replace the outdated DVI. It differs from another successor, for example, by the ability to secure the plug in the socket and support for higher bandwidth in all types of resolutions, making it a more preferred option in case detailed images are needed for movie frames or video games. Cons: Displayport is more expensive, but it also supports working with adapters.
Was developed by Apple and Intel. The uniqueness of this connection protocol lies in the fact that it uses USB-C connectors for versatility, as it is also actively used in laptops with MacOS. Supports high resolution with data transfer speeds faster than many HDMI or DP, but the bandwidth remains at the level of the first. Due to its efficiency, it works not only on Apple devices.
Cables are not always included, and buying them separately can be costly. And you can't always guess the necessary connection technology, as each protocol, which we will discuss below, has its own different types that may differ from each other. What to do in this case?
You can connect to the TV via Wi-Fi using one of the methods below, depending on the manufacturer of your TV or laptop. We will consider each option in turn. Note that your devices must be connected to the same wireless network.
Carefully check that the TV settings have the option to connect to the internet enabled or the Smart TV function available. Usually, this item is found in the picture or Wi-Fi settings.
A technology that allows you to stream the display of Apple devices. To connect, open the control center in the upper right corner, select the screen mirroring section, and click on the TV you are interested in. If problems arise, open Settings and search for AirPlay to check if this option is enabled in all necessary sections along with the access value to the connection from Any device on this network.
Protocols for streaming information similar to AirPlay. Before starting, open the Microsoft Store and install the latest version of the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter drivers. At the same time, if the Miracast service is missing, you will download it as well.
If your gadgets support this technology, you only need to open the settings, where in the Bluetooth and devices section, using the Add device button, specify the wireless type in the window that appears.
For older TV models, you need to open the Devices section in the settings or internal storage to enter the standby mode for laptop connection.
This is essentially an option for creating a unified digital space among multiple gadgets. Note that not all devices support this feature — you need to check the functionality separately.
To activate it, you need to transfer all files to the subdirectories of the account library. This can be done through Explorer by right-clicking on the icon and scrolling down the list. All media will appear in your TV's storage. Now let's look at how to pre-configure this process.
Through the search on your laptop, open the Network and Sharing Center, where in the menu on the left, go to Media streaming options. When opening for the first time, enable the necessary service for this and check the boxes next to the name of each of our devices. Do not forget to switch the indicator to display only gadgets on the local network beforehand.
After that, click on the first line from the bottom to establish stable DLNA operation by disabling the automatic sleep mode and continuing power supply. Set the time values to Never.
This is the same name for both the information transfer technology and the external Google device with a similar function. It is pre-installed in some models, such as Sony or LG.
If your TV monitor does not use it, simply buy a small gadget and connect it via HDMI to the TV. Then Chromecast will work.
There are several ways to connect a laptop to a TV: through the cast button with a list of nearby devices, available in many popular apps, or through the side menu of Google Chrome with a similar button.
When we connect a Windows laptop to a TV using one of the methods mentioned above, we need to choose the display mode. To open the list, use the Windows+P key combination. Here we will see several options:
This can also be done through the Display section in the settings, where similar modes will be available, as well as the ability to set the order of monitor priority.
Open the Displays setting in the preferences. Using the Arrangement button, you can specify where the screens are located, and just below, choose in the Use as... menu the method for displaying an extended monitor or video mirroring.